~ architect designer visionary

Monthly Archives: November 2015

I would like to start with Claude Monet`s words: “Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.”

After seeing an artwork of Rafa Forteza, a well known Spanish artist, I had it more than clear, that I “need” to see more of his art and to meet him. An artist who has definitely a similar color obsession. Spontaneous and brave, I called him and asked him, if he please invites me into his studio …. maybe not the most common way of getting invited, but at least a way, to get there 🙂 Rafa Forteza – a “freethinker”, a unconventional person and a nonconformist – far away from “snatching fame” and far away from publicity and marketing actions, welcomed me in his studio in such a open hearted way, that I felt immediately familiar and”at home” with his special world and his colourful sphere. It was, like escaping from reality, without being sure, which of both is reality. As soon, as I get closer to art, my heart starts to beat and my subconscious gives me clear signs, that art is part of my life and that I need this spirit & inspiration, like I need air to breath! As Friedrich Schiller says: “Art is the daughter of freedom.”

Thank you Rafa, for that wonderful morning in your studio!

Looking at contemporary Spanish art, one cannot fail to discover the majorcan artist Rafa Forteza (born 1955). His diverse oeuvre includes painting and sculpture. His graphic work, which was in part realized in the workshops of Joan Miro and Tristan Barbara, enjoys an international standing. In an expressive style, Forteza creates a haunting world of images that alternates between abstraction and figuration, between reality and concept, and that speculates and manifests.

Standing in front of a rough and overgrown piece of land, looking down to the same rough sea and trying to get a first inspiration, or better said a brain wave for a future home for a scattered family, with the need to have a special place in the sun, where they all can meet up, time by time and where they can share their love for transparency, light, sun and spaciousness.

After a first detailed topographic plan and knowing all needs, peculiarities, habits and ideas of the future dwellers, the creative boundless work can start. Doing such a openminded project in a small intimate team, is a wonderful brainstorming. 2 crazy minds – me and my old friend Roman started to dream, to imagine, to discard again, to turn all around, to start again……long nights with a lot of laughter and playfulness.

It is a gift, being able to let arise creative visions and dreams. I am very thankful for having such great people around me, which love to share this freedom of thoughts and whom are the same brave and crazy as me 🙂 Thanks Roman, for your big thinking and your spirit.

All started with a beautiful letter, in which a family described their life, their habits, their little secrets, their quirks, their lifestyle and their visions in detailed and vivid short stories to give me a guideline for my future planning. Today, I know, that this letter opened a door to a very different way of developing a living space. I felt like knowing every and each family member since always and the relation ship became so warm hearted and trustful, that we became a team by planning together, by designing together and by inspiring each other. Charlotte Jeppsson is such a creative and stylish person – with a nose for trends, qualities and style. Lars has a fantastic overall view, which keeps the balance in between creativity and comfort. Both together bestowed such a great spirit, that I am thankful for that experience and essentially for what we created together. Christine Leja / “Christine Leja architects”